THE
Kirk
of
Scotland
after
the
reformation
of
Religion
did
by
degrees
attaine
to
as
great
perfection
both
in
doctrine
&
discipline
as
any
other
reformed
kirk
in
Europe
.
The
soundnesse
of
Doctrine
appeareth
in
her
severall
Confessions
of
Faith
approven
by
all
the
best
reformed
Kirkes
in
forraine
parts
.
But
because
puritie
of
Religion
cannot
bee
long
preserved
without
that
platforme
of
Government
,
which
the
Word
of
God
hath
laid
foorth
unto
us
,
her
nationall
assemblies
laboured
diligently
many
years
to
finde
out
the
same
,
and
after
many
conferences
,
and
publick
reasoning
resolved
upon
these
conclusions
,
which
are
contained
in
the
booke
of
Policie
,
or
second
booke
of
Discipline
.
But
shortly
thus
much
for
the
present
.
Each
Parish
beeing
provided
of
a
Minister
(
who
underwent
tryalls
before
his
admission
to
the
place
,
and
behoved
to
be
qualified
both
for
life
,
learning
and
skilfull
government
)
was
ruled
by
him
and
the
Elders
thereof
,
beeing
the
men
of
best
life
&
understanding
in
the
said
Parish
.
Twelve
sixteene
or
twentie
of
these
Kirks
were
conjoyned
in
a
Pres-byterie
or
classicall
meeting
,
that
did
meete
weekly
and
exercise
their
gifts
by
course
,
and
had
the
power
of
ordinary
jurisdiction
,
ordination
,
suspension
,
deprivation
,
excommunication
,
or
direction
to
the
parish
Minister
to
excommunicat
,
after
the
sight
of
the
processe
deduced
by
the
particulare
Eldership
,
collation
of
benefices
,
visitation
of
kirks
within
their
bounds
.
The
enormitie
of
Ministers
either
in
life
or
doctrine
were
dela●ed
,
either
by
some
parochinar
,
or
neighbour
Minister
.
Persons
of
whatsoever
qualitie
in
the
Co●gregations
who
would
not
obey
their
owne
Ministers
and
Elders
were
censured
:
If
verie
great
difficulties
come
before
them
,
or
if
the
Pres-byterie
had
adoe
with
great
parties
,
who
did
withdraw
any
of
their
number
,
in
these
&
the
like
cases
there
was
recourse
had
to
the
provincial
Synods
.
The
whole
Pres-byterie
of
a
shire
or
two
mett
twise
a-yeare
in
their
Synod
,
tryed
presbyteries
,
and
ordered
what
was
disficle
for
the
presbyteries
,
or
might
concerne
them
al
in
common
.
If
any
difficultie
come
before
them
,
for
which
there
was
no
kirk
constitution
,
they
referred
the
same
to
the
nationall
Assembly
,
which
conveened
once
a
yeere
,
or
oftner
pro
re
nata
.
Where
they
gave
their
judgment
in
the
case
preponed
,
and
made
some
act
&
constitution
for
the
like
cases
in
time
comming
,
and
other
acts
and
constitutions
needfull
,
received
appellations
,
petititions
,
grievances
,
and
appointed
some
to
propone
their
owne
grievances
to
the
Parliament
,
King
,
Counsellor
Convention
.
This
was
the
supreme
and
highest
Kirk
judicatorie
,
to
which
was
made
the
last
appeale
,
&
which
was
composed
of
these
members
,
his
Majesties
self
or
a
Commissionar
representing
him
,
two
or
,
three
Ministers
chosen
by
each
Presbitery
,
one
Gentleman
an
Elder
within
the
bounds
of
a
presbyterie
,
A
commissioner
for
each
regall
burgh
,
and
two
for
Edinburgh
:
some
one
of
these
Ministers
was
chosen
to
moderat
,
or
preside
by
the
voices
of
the
whole
assembly
.
This
supreme
judicatorie
so
censured
the
omissions
of
the
subordinat
,
that
no
vice
of
any
person
whtasoever
escaped
censure
,
no
error
could
sooner
set
out
its
head
,
but
it
was
presently
crushed
by
one
of
these
,
as
King
IAMES
confessed
in
diverse
discourses
,
and
gave
that
reason
why
so
few
errours
had
appeared
in
the
kirk
of
Scotland
,
because
they
could
not
escape
the
censure
of
one
of
these
Ecclesiasticall
judicatories
.
This
forme
of
government
so
comfortable
to
the
religious
,
and
profitable
to
the
kirke
was
insufferable
to
many
of
higher
rank
,
who
did
not
think
this
yoke
of
Christ
so
easy
as
to
enjoy
their
wished
libertie
without
controulment
,
which
made
a
number
of
these
,
with
Courtiers
,
and
some
of
the
Ministers
who
were
more
loose
&
worldly
minded
suggest
unto
King
Iames
of
ever
blessed
memorie
,
that
He
had
not
so
much
power
in
the
kirk
as
in
the
commonwelth
.
because
,
when
any
of
these
libertines
committed
any
offence
,
he
could
not
save
them
from
kirk
censure
,
although
his
Majestie
had
alwayes
power
to
remit
the
civill
censure
&
punishment
.
His
Majestie
beeing
then
hopefull
of
the
kingdom
of
England
,
they
added
that
reason
,
that
if
he
obtained
the
Kirke
of
Scotland
to
be
governed
by
Bishops
,
as
that
of
England
was
,
he
would
thereby
endeare
to
himself
the
kirk
men
there
,
who
might
otherwise
suspect
his
affection
to
their
state
,
being
acquainted
with
another
forme
of
kirk
government
,
if
he
should
not
evidence
it
,
by
labouring
that
change
.
And
if
he
shuld
eshablish
the
government
of
Bishops
in
Scotland
,
he
might
bee
as
absolute
in
the
kirk
as
in
the
Common-wealth
.
Thus
they
kindled
in
his
Majesties
heart
the
des●e
of
an
absolute
power
over
the
kirk
,
beeing
specially
moved
by
their
owne
particular
ends
.
Great
men
for
obtaining
erection
of
kirklands
,
which
then
appertained
to
the
Crowne
,
in
recompense
from
his
Majestie
,
for
assisting
the
erection
of
Bishops
in
the
kirk
of
Scotland
.
His
Majestie
being
assured
of
the
Bishops
consent
,
&
of
inferiour
kirkmen
,
in
hope
of
suceeeding
to
the
said
Bishopricks
,
and
of
both
for
vindicating
themselves
into
a
licentious
liberty
from
under
the
awfull
censure
of
the
Kirk
,
was
so
earnest
on
that
designe
,
that
hee
made
it
his
most
speciall
indevour
,
but
suppressing
,
the
same
withall
,
that
hee
might
obtine
it
the
more
easily
.
Where-unto
hee
attained
by
degrees
,
which
are
heere
set
down
shortly
in
some
generall
heads
Wee
refer
the
par●iculars
to
a
more
large
information
,
which
shall
contain
the
degrees
,
course
of
defection
,
&
advancement
of
Hierar
by
in
our
kirk
.
First
,
his
Majestie
Propounded
the
necesatie
to
have
Ministers
voters
in
Parliament
,
in
the
name
of
the
kirk
,
who
sitting
in
Parliament
might
bee
carefull
,
that
nothing
were
done
in
prejudice
of
the
kirk
,
and
might
carrie
the
desires
of
the
whole
Kirke
to
the
Parliament
for
such
things
as
were
convenient
for
them
.
The
medling
of
Ministers
in
these
civill
imployments
was
extremely
disliked
,
&
opposed
by
the
most
judicious
in
this
Kirk
.
To
make
the
Ministers
voting
in
Parliament
the
more
plausible
,
and
to
move
the
more
easie
condiscendence
therto
,
they
were
tyed
to
such
caveats
,
viz.
that
they
should
propone
nothing
in
Parliament
,
Convention
or
Counsell
,
without
expresse
warrant
from
the
kirk
,
nor
keep
silence
when
any
thing
is
proponed
there
to
the
prejudice
of
the
Kirke
:
That
they
should
give
an
account
of
their
Commission
after
each
Parliament
to
the
next
nationall
Assembly
,
and
be
subject
either
to
their
censure
of
deposition
,
incase
they
did
transgresse
:
To
attend
faithfully
their
particular
flocks
as
Ministers
,
in
the
administration
of
discipline
,
collation
of
benefices
,
or
other
points
of
ecclesiasticall
government
,
to
usurpe
or
acclaime
no
jurisdiction
over
their
brethren
.
A
number
of
such
caveats
beeing
agried
upon
in
the
assembly
should
have
beene
ratified
in
the
next
parliament
.
But
these
beeing
suppressed
,
there
was
insert
in
place
there
of
a
number
of
articles
in
favours
of
Bishops
never
mentioned
nor
agried
upon
in
Assembly
.
These
Ministers
who
would
have
entred
the
Parliament-house
to
discover
that
falshood
,
and
protest
against
it
,
were
holden
out
from
protesting
publickly
,
but
they
delivered
their
protestati
win
write
to
the
Estates
severally
.
All
this
time
these
pretended
prelats
laboured
,
that
there
should
be
no
generall
Assembly
at
all
to
censure
them
for
transgressing
their
cautions
that
they
might
the
more
boldly
contraveene
.
And
whereas
in
these
generall
assemblies
before
their
dissolving
the
kings
Majestie
or
his
Commissioner
beeing
present
did
appoint
the
time
and
place
of
the
next
assemblie
.
His
Majestiie
beeing
moved
by
these
Kirkmen
,
who
could
not
endure
the
censure
of
generall
Assemblyes
,
by
his
owne
warrant
first
shifted
the
time
solemnely
appointed
by
the
last
assembly
to
another
time
,
and
then
to
no
certaine
time
:
which
made
some
of
the
speciall
and
ablest
Ministers
to
keepe
the
time
last
prescribed
for
preserving
the
Kirks
right
.
These
were
conveened
before
the
civill
Iudge
by
commandement
,
and
sentenced
with
baniment
although
only
the
Assembly
shuld
have
judged
,
whether
their
meeting
had
beene
a
lawfull
assembly
or
not
:
some
others
of
these
were
for
that
same
cause
imprisoned
.
The
Kirkmen
presented
to
Bishoprickes
were
restored
to
their
civill
estate
and
dignitie
in
Parliament
,
voyces
beeing
obtained
by
consenting
to
erections
of
sundry
Abbacies
,
and
other
corrupt
meanes
in
the
year
.
1606.
Thereafter
they
began
to
encroach
upon
the
kirk
government
.
First
they
affected
to
be
constant
moderators
;
&
to
the
end
they
might
effectuat
this
point
the
more
easily
,
they
procured
a
meetting
of
Ministers
at
Linlithgow
not
long
after
,
while
as
their
chiefest
opposites
in
the
Ministerie
were
either
banished
,
imprisoned
,
confyned
or
drawne
up
to
Court
,
being
sent
for
by
his
Majestie
to
give
their
advice
or
best
overtures
for
the
peace
of
the
Kirk
as
was
pretended
.
That
meetting
consisted
of
such
as
were
sent
for
by
his
Majesties
missives
without
mention
of
any
generall
assemblies
.
At
this
meeting
these
who
were
styled
Bishops
in
respect
of
their
benefice
were
made
constant
Moderators
of
the
Presbyteries
,
where
they
were
resident
,
but
were
unwillingly
admitted
by
the
presbyteries
.
Yet
this
did
not
content
them
,
and
therefore
they
accepted
the
power
of
the
high
Commission
,
allowed
them
onely
by
his
Majesties
command
,
and
Lords
of
Counsell
,
against
the
act
of
Parliament
inhibiting
any
judicatories
,
but
such
as
should
bee
established
by
parliament
.
Thereafter
they
procured
an
Assembly
to
be
holden
at
Glasgow
,
consisting
of
such
as
were
given
in
note
to
the
presbiteries
,
and
corrupted
by
sowmes
of
money
,
or
hopes
of
preferment
,
or
awed
with
the
terrour
of
the
high
Commission
.
At
this
pretended
assembly
some
power
in
Presbyteries
,
and
moderation
in
provinciall
Synods
upon
an
assurance
by
word
,
and
an
implicite
condition
in
the
Act
it self
for
set
or
yeerely
assemblyes
,
was
graunted
to
those
who
were
styled
vulgarlie
Bishops
in
respect
of
their
benefice
.
But
the
office
of
a
Bishop
was
not
re-established
,
which
before
had
beene
damned
by
former
Assemblies
.
Yet
went
some
of
them
to
England
,
and
received
consecration
to
the
office
of
a
Diocesian
Bishop
,
returned
and
consecrat
their
Fellowes
deserted
their
flocks
,
and
governed
as
diocesian
Bishops
without
respect
to
the
limitations
of
the
act
of
the
pretended
assembly
.
And
this
their
usurpation
they
maintaine
by
the
power
and
authoritie
of
the
high
Commission
.
Finding
that
yet
they
wanted
meanes
to
make
the
people
stumble
,
&
so
to
be
brought
under
their
censure
,
a
nationall
assembly
was
called
1618.
Whereunto
his
Majesty
invited
by
his
letters
above
thirtie
Noblemen
&
Gentlemen
wanting
Commissions
,
who
voted
to
the
conclusions
of
that
pretended
assembly
.
Ministers
were
brought
in
from
the
streets
,
and
some
were
written
for
to
assist
(
though
never
chosen
for
Commissioners
)
.
These
who
had
Commissions
were
neither
suffered
to
reason
,
nor
vote
freely
.
(
There
they
concluded
the
five
articles
,
which
had
beene
formerly
condemned
by
our
Kirk
as
superstitious
)
promising
then
to
leave
the
practise
of
them
arbitrarie
.
These
they
procured
by
the
like
indirect
meanes
to
bee
ratified
in
Parliament
Anno
1621.
Against
the
which
articles
and
ratification
thereof
in
Parliament
(
without
the
desire
and
consent
of
the
assemblyes
had
thereunto
)
the
most
religious
and
judicious
of
the
Ministerie
did
solemnely
protest
in
name
of
the
reformed
Kirk
of
SCOTLAND
,
whereunto
the
most
part
of
the
particular
Congregations
have
adhered
,
and
never
practised
these
Articles
.
Notwithstanding
heereof
,
the
Bishops
did
presse
them
violently
,
and
when
any
refused
practise
,
there
was
matter
for
their
high
Commission
to
worke
on
.
This
their
usurpation
even
without
any
pretended
warrant
of
corrupt
assemblyes
;
and
their
crueltie
encreased
.
For
they
usurpe
the
moderation
of
general
Assemblyes
which
are
holden
only
at
their
pleasure
,
at
diocesian
Synods
they
sit
as
Iudges
rather
than
simple
moderators
.
They
ordaine
Ministers
not
in
the
presence
,
or
with
consent
of
the
Congregation
,
but
in
some
remote
place
,
and
sometimes
without
the
presence
of
any
Minister
of
the
Presbyterie
,
or
bounds
where
the
Minister
is
to
serve
.
They
give
orders
to
sundrie
without
the
charge
of
any
flock
,
they
suspend
and
deprive
Ministers
usually
for
none
conformitie
,
not
in
Pres-byteries
and
in
Synods
,
where-unto
they
are
tyed
,
but
in
the
Court
of
high
Commission
,
wherein
they
fyne
,
confyne
,
or
imprison
Preachers
or
professors
at
their
pleasure
.
They
stay
pres-byteries
from
proceeding
to
the
sentence
of
Excommunication
.
They
exact
subscripiton
from
intrants
to
the
Ministerie
unto
articles
framed
by
themselves
alanerly
,
and
debarre
the
best
qualified
for
refusing
to
subscribe
.
It
doth
not
content
them
to
admit
according
to
the
oath
contained
in
the
Act
of
Parliament
.
They
convocate
Ministers
to
promiscuous
meetinges
,
and
direct
their
mandates
from
these
,
as
from
the
representative
Kirk
of
Scotland
.
They
consecrate
Bishops
and
ordaine
Ministers
according
to
a
forme
not
allowed
by
this
Kirk
.
They
debarre
persons
presented
by
lawfull
Patrons
,
because
they
refuse
to
enter
by
the
degree
of
a
baptizing
Deacon
.
They
sit
in
Counsell
,
Session
,
and
Exchequer
,
contrare
to
the
word
of
God
and
acts
of
the
Kirk
.
They
staye
processe
against
Papists
.
They
teach
Popish
and
Arminian
pointes
of
doctrine
,
or
preferre
such
as
teach
the
like
.
They
bring
in
practise
of
novations
in
the
royall
chappell
,
not
warranted
so
much
as
by
any
pretended
acts
of
corrupt
Assemblies
.
But
to
relate
their
particular
insolencies
and
usurpations
were
fitter
for
a
Volume
than
for
this
short
information
.
And
although
at
Conventions
and
Parliaments
their
oppressions
were
complained
upon
,
yet
neither
parliament
,
Convention
or
Counsell
,
would
heare
any
plaint
against
them
.
By
direction
of
his
Majesties
private
letters
the
Counsell
all
wayes
interposed
their
authoritie
to
all
their
sentences
in
the
high
Commission
,
when
it
was
craved
,
and
assisted
them
so
far
as
lay
in
them
,
which
did
increase
their
pride
,
and
encourage
their
undertaking
all
novelties
,
which
seemed
good
in
their
owne
eyes
.
Thus
thinking
themselves
by
thirtie
one
yeares
experience
sufficiently
persuaded
of
the
passive
disposition
of
the
people
to
underly
what
they
would
impose
,
and
of
the
secret
Counsells
assistance
,
they
obtained
his
Majesties
letters
patents
for
an
high
Commission
consisting
of
above
an
hundreth
persons
civill
and
ecclesiasticall
promiscuously
,
whereof
the
Bishop
of
any
Diocie
,
might
assume
any
six
to
himself
,
and
there
judge
any
person
of
whatso-ever
qualitie
within
,
or
without
his
diocie
,
whereas
only
before
Arch-bishops
might
held
Courtes
of
high
Commission
.
Some
of
the
Bishops
began
to
put
this
new
Commission
in
practise
,
and
and
give
it
life
and
execution
.
In
the
yeare
1636
the
Bishops
framed
a
booke
of
Canons
and
constitutions
for
governing
the
kirke
of
Scotland
.
Which
did
quite
subvert
the
order
and
forme
of
discipline
established
,
contained
many
errours
,
and
opened
a
doore
for
many
moe
both
in
doctrinall
and
disciplinarie
points
of
Religion
,
whensoever
the
Kings
Majestie
upon
the
Bishops
recommendation
would
ordaine
the
same
.
In
this
booke
it
was
ordained
that
there
should
bee
no
obloquie
against
these
Canons
,
or
booke
of
Common
prayer
,
which
was
to
bee
set
foorth
,
notwithstanding
such
proceedings
were
illegall
.
In
the
next
yeare
in
Iunij
1637
the
said
Bishops
caused
print
the
booke
of
Common
prayer
,
compiled
by
them
for
the
use
of
this
Kirk
,
which
was
appointed
by
his
Majesties
letter
to
bee
received
,
as
the
onlie
forme
of
Gods
publick
worship
,
where-unto
all
Subjects
either
civill
or
ecclesiasticall
behoved
to
conforme
themselves
,
and
the
contraveeners
to
be
condignly
punished
.
By
proclamation
each
Minister
was
enjoyned
,
and
some
charged
with
letters
of
horning
to
buy
two
of
them
for
the
use
of
the
Parish
.
Approbation
from
the
Lords
of
Counsell
was
given
to
it
,
when
few
but
Bishops
were
present
at
Counsell
.
The
Bishop
of
Edinburgh
accompanied
with
two
Arch
bishops
,
and
sundrie
other
Bishops
(
notwithstanding
the
mislik
Ministers
and
Professours
had
for
the
manner
of
introduction
&
corruptions
of
the
same
)
began
the
use
of
it
in
the
cheife
Kirk
of
Edinburgh
,
upon
the
23
Iulij
.
1637.
The
people
much
discontented
with
the
former
novations
,
could
not
endure
so
great
and
sudden
alteration
,
as
imported
a
change
both
of
the
externall
forme
,
and
nature
of
the
former
publick
worship
,
did
the
most
part
of
them
all
at
one
instant
rise
&
hinder
the
new
service
,
calling
it
superstitious
or
idolatrous
.
The
same
was
also
stopped
in
another
Kirk
of
Edinburgh
,
where
it
was
to
bee
read
by
the
Bishop
of
Argyle
.
Notwithstanding
heereof
they
procured
by
act
of
Counsell
,
the
paine
of
death
without
all
favour
and
mercie
to
bee
denounced
against
all
those
who
should
any
wayes
raile
or
speake
against
the
Bishops
,
or
any
of
the
inferiour
cleargie
,
or
against
the
Service
booke
.
They
discharged
the
Ministers
and
Readers
in
Edinburgh
,
(
who
refused
the
Booke
,
)
there
wonted
service
,
and
interdited
the
publicke
Evening
and
Morning
prayer
,
reding
of
Scriptures
,
singing
of
Psalmes
,
for
a
long
time
,
and
still
pressing
the
buying
and
practising
of
the
said
Booke
by
all
Ministers
.
Which
moved
the
Ministers
first
to
petition
,
and
next
manie
of
the
Nobilitie
,
Gentrie
,
Burgesses
,
and
Ministers
to
meete
,
and
to
supplicate
the
Lordes
of
privie
Counsell
against
the
saids
books
of
Canons
and
Common
prayers
against
the
illegall
and
unorderlie
waye
of
introducing
the
same
.
The
generall
Supplication
sent
to
His
Majestie
by
the
Duke
of
Lennox
,
(
who
was
then
returning
to
England
from
the
buriall
of
his
Mother
in
September
,
1937.
)
was
answered
in
October
only
by
a
Proclamation
,
discharging
the
Counsell
to
meddle
in
Kirk
matters
,
and
charging
all
the
Supplicants
to
depart
out
of
the
Town
within
twentie
foure
houres
,
under
the
paine
of
rebellion
,
as
also
the
Iudicatories
of
Counsell
,
and
Session
to
remove
,
but
no
wayes
answering
the
petitions
,
which
the
Supplicants
did
patiently
expect
,
notwithstanding
the
matter
concerned
the
service
of
God
.
The
Supplicants
gave
in
then
a
Complaint
against
the
Bishops
,
offering
to
prove
these
bookes
contained
the
seedes
of
Superstition
and
Idolatrie
&c.
and
craved
justice
upon
the
Bishops
,
as
authors
thereof
,
and
guiltie
of
lies
,
betwixt
the
King
and
his
Subjects
,
and
many
other
crimes
censurable
by
Law
.
The
affection
of
people
drawing
so
many
together
to
waite
for
the
answere
to
their
Supplications
gave
offence
to
the
Lords
of
Counsell
,
whereupon
the
Supplicants
for
giving
them
satisfaction
,
did
with
their
consent
choose
but
a
few
of
their
number
to
attend
the
same
,
who
after
long
expectation
,
were
answered
only
by
a
Proclamation
upon
the
seventh
of
December
,
declaring
his
Majestie
not
to
be
inclined
to
Popery
,
which
the
Supplicants
did
not
alledge
.
They
beeing
then
earnestly
required
,
by
such
as
had
power
from
his
Majestie
,
to
divide
the
supplications
severally
by
shires
,
to
restraine
them
only
to
the
bookes
of
Canons
and
Common
prayer
,
and
to
passe
from
the
high
Commission
and
the
pursuite
of
the
Bishops
,
the
supplicants
gave
sundrie
reasons
,
why
they
could
not
doe
so
,
shewing
also
,
that
if
the
Bishops
keeped
their
boundlesse
usurped
power
,
they
could
soone
frame
and
bring
in
the
like
bookes
within
a
short
space
,
and
offered
to
prove
they
had
all
deserved
exemplare
punishment
by
their
usurpation
against
Law
,
and
by
their
heavie
tyranny
unlawfully
exerced
on
the
Subjects
for
many
yeares
.
All
this
time
the
Supplicants
could
obtaine
no
answere
to
the
supplications
sent
to
His
Majestie
,
nor
move
the
Counsell
to
receive
them
,
and
recommend
them
to
His
Majestie
not
for
the
space
of
a
whole
Moneth
,
although
they
continually
attended
,
till
they
were
ready
to
make
protestation
against
the
Counsell
for
not
hearing
them
in
so
important
a
businesse
.
Vpon
the
twentie
one
daye
of
December
,
1637.
the
Counsell
'
received
the
generall
Supplication
,
and
sent
it
to
his
Majestie
,
at
which
time
the
Supplicants
declined
the
Bishops
from
being
their
Iudges
,
as
beeing
now
their
parties
.
The
answere
to
the
particulare
and
generall
Supplications
was
returned
by
a
Proclamation
made
in
Februarie
,
1638.
Whereby
his
Majestie
had
declared
hee
had
ordained
the
booke
of
Common
prayer
to
bee
compyled
,
that
hee
had
approved
the
same
as
a
ready
meane
to
maintaine
the
true
Religion
,
and
beate
out
all
Superstition
and
Idolatrie
,
and
doubted
not
to
satisfie
the
minds
of
all
the
Subjects
.
Heere-with
charged
them
all
to
depart
from
these
Townes
where
the
Counsell
or
Session
should
sit
,
and
to
abstaine
from
all
meetings
any
where
under
the
paine
of
Treason
.
A
verie
great
number
of
the
Nobilitie
and
Gentrie
,
made
a
proestation
on
the
mercat
Crosse
of
Edinburgh
immediatly
after
the
Proclamation
was
red
,
against
the
bookes
of
Canons
,
and
Common
prayer
,
high
Commission
,
and
all
other
Novations
introduced
in
the
Kirke
against
or
without
the
Word
of
GOD
and
lawes
of
the
Countrey
,
and
against
the
Bishops
as
their
parties
,
&
that
in
no
judicatorie
they
should
sit
as
their
Iudges
,
till
they
were
tryed
by
Law
.
That
their
whole
meetings
were
lawfull
&
necessare
,
&
that
they
might
have
their
recourse
to
his
Majestie
.
The
Supplicants
were
then
forced
to
forbeare
any
futher
dealing
with
the
Counsell
,
because
against
the
Law
of
Nature
and
Nations
they
would
not
admit
their
declinatour
against
the
Bishops
their
parties
from
sitting
as
their
Iudges
,
whereas
they
offered
under
the
paine
of
their
lives
,
to
prove
many
haynous
crymes
against
them
,
and
such
as
were
palpable
to
the
World
.
as
their
introduction
of
Poperie
,
and
Arminianisme
,
&
their
many
publick
transgressions
against
Law
.
The
whole
Nobilitie
,
Gentrie
,
Burrowes
,
Ministers
,
and
Commons
,
who
had
now
so
often
supplicat
,
and
so
long
attended
,
were
cast
into
great
difficulties
considering
their
Religion
so
well
warranted
by
Gods
Word
,
and
established
by
the
lawes
of
the
Kirke
and
Kingdome
,
was
now
begunne
to
bee
changed
,
both
in
doctrine
and
discipline
,
at
the
pleasure
of
the
fourteene
Bishops
,
and
the
liberties
of
the
Countrie
like
to
bee
infringed
by
their
usurpation
,
and
that
having
complained
often
upon
them
to
his
Majestie
by
his
Counsell
,
were
answered
by
the
former
declaration
approving
these
Popish
bookes
,
their
wicked
&
unlawfull
proceedings
,
and
condemning
the
Supplicants
lawfull
and
peaceable
meetings
,
and
humble
waye
of
supplicating
,
as
prejudiciall
to
regall
authoritie
,
prohibiting
also
their
necessar
meetings
in
time
comming
,
All
these
did
move
the
Supplicants
,
to
bethinke
the
renewing
of
the
nationall
Covenant
of
this
Kirke
&
Kingdom
,
(
the
breach
whereof
hath
beene
a
speciall
cause
to
bring
these
evills
upon
them
)
to
bee
a
good
meane
for
obtaining
the
Lords
wonted
favour
,
having
many
examples
in
holy
Scripture
that
the
people
of
GOD
have
happily
renewed
their
Covenant
with
GOD.
This
their
Covenant
containeth
nothing
in
substance
but
that
which
is
contained
in
the
Confession
of
Faith
,
and
generall
band
formerly
made
for
maintenance
of
Religion
,
&
acts
of
Parliament
made
at
sundie
times
.
The
Confession
of
Faith
was
approved
by
diverse
Acts
of
secreet
Counsell
,
and
generall
Assemblbes
.
It
was
first
subscribed
by
King
IAMES
himself
,
and
his
whole
House-hold
,
after
by
all
his
Subjects
,
commanded
by
publick
Proclamation
to
subscribe
.
Subscription
to
this
Confession
hath
beene
in
continuall
practise
,
when
any
persons
suspect
of
Papistrie
were
to
be
tryed
,
&
likewise
masters
of
Schooles
&
Colledges
were
ordained
by
act
of
Assemblye
to
cause
their
Schollers
subscribe
when
they
were
to
passe
their
degrees
,
which
hath
beene
observed
to
this
day
.
The
practise
of
subscribing
beeing
in
continuall
use
to
this
time
was
a
sufficient
warrant
for
the
Supplicants
to
subscribe
the
same
for
manifesting
their
affection
to
GODS
trueth
,
and
holding
out
all
Popish
superstition
.
To
the
said
Confession
are
subjoyned
such
acts
of
Parliament
,
as
ratified
the
heads
thereof
,
and
were
made
in
favours
of
Religion
professed
in
the
same
,
Together
with
a
part
of
the
generall
band
formerly
made
and
subscribed
by
authoritie
of
King
Iames
,
and
his
Counsell
,
binding
all
the
Subjects
to
the
defence
of
Religion
,
and
his
Majesties
person
,
and
each
to
other
in
these
two
causes
.
The
Supplicants
bind
themselves
to
forbeare
all
approbation
or
practise
of
corruptions
and
innovations
brought
in
this
Kirk
,
till
the
forme
of
their
entry
their
lawfulnes
,
or
expediencie
be
tryed
in
a
free
generall
Assemblye
,
and
to
labour
by
all
meanes
lawfull
to
recover
the
puritie
and
libertie
of
the
Gospell
,
as
it
was
professed
and
established
before
the
entrie
of
the
said
Novations
.
But
withall
they
declare
that
the
novations
and
evills
contained
in
their
Supplications
,
complaints
&
protestations
,
have
no
warrant
in
the
word
of
God
,
and
are
contrare
to
the
articles
of
the
forsaid
confession
,
&
acts
of
Parliament
.
They
promise
to
forbeare
the
practise
and
approbation
of
novations
already
entred
,
till
a
free
assembly
and
Parliament
,
because
they
were
never
condiscended
upon
,
but
in
pretended
Assemblies
,
and
upon
conditions
which
have
not
beene
observed
,
besides
that
protestations
have
beene
made
contrare
to
the
same
.
This
Covenant
was
subscribed
by
many
thousands
in
Februarie
last
,
yea
,
in
a
very
short
time
,
by
almost
the
whole
Kingdome
.
It
was
publickly
read
and
sworne
in
most
Kirks
with
great
motion
,
prayers
,
and
teares
,
all
professing
repentance
for
their
sinnes
,
specially
for
their
breach
of
Covenant
to
God
in
suffering
the
puritie
of
his
worship
to
bee
thus
tainted
.
The
desire
of
true
knowledge
wrought
by
it
in
the
hearts
of
the
people
may
approve
it
to
bee
a
speciall
meane
appointed
by
God
for
reclaiming
this
Nation
to
himself
.
The
supplicants
having
now
both
by
oath
&
subscription
manifested
their
desires
to
be
religious
,
&
their
hearts
loyall
and
faithfull
to
their
Prince
,
beeing
now
barred
from
dealing
with
the
privy
Counsell
,
who
admitted
the
Bishops
to
sit
as
Iudges
in
the
cause
,
after
the
Supplicants
had
declined
them
as
parties
,
and
beeing
desirous
his
Majestie
should
bee
rightly
informed
,
that
hee
might
give
a
gratious
answer
,
they
thought
it
expedient
to
write
to
the
Duke
of
Lennox
,
Marquesse
of
Hamiltoun
,
Earle
of
Mortoun
,
as
speciall
members
of
this
state
,
because
they
had
neere
accesse
to
his
Majestie
,
not
doubting
that
they
could
not
but
bee
very
sensible
of
these
evills
complained
upon
,
desired
them
to
learne
from
his
Majestie
,
if
hee
would
bee
pleased
to
receive
a
new
petition
from
the
Supplicants
immediatly
or
if
they
should
make
their
desires
knowne
to
his
Majesty
by
their
Lordships
.
This
supplication
was
sent
to
have
been
delivered
if
his
Majestie
would
have
received
it
,
and
also
some
articles
containing
their
just
desires
for
their
Lordships
information
.
His
Majestie
was
not
willing
to
receive
the
supplication
,
but
perusing
the
articles
did
remit
his
gratious
answere
to
bee
delivered
by
the
Marquesse
of
Hamiltoun
,
who
was
to
bee
sent
as
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
with
instructions
and
power
for
settling
the
peace
of
this
kingdome
.
Vpon
the
thirtie
day
of
May
a
ship
arrived
at
the
road
of
Leith
,
carrying
a
great
deale
of
munition
,
as
Cannon
,
powder
,
with
Cannon
ball
,
musquets
,
Pikes
,
and
match
for
the
Castle
of
Edinburgh
,
foretold
&
threatned
by
the
Bishop
of
S.
Andrewes
,
and
his
followers
,
who
affirmed
the
providing
that
Castle
,
and
fortifieng
the
towne
of
Leith
,
to
bee
the
onely
meane
to
beate
down
Edinburgh
,
and
force
them
to
undergoe
any
thing
should
bee
injoyned
,
as
also
to
hold
the
supplicants
out
of
it
&c.
Upon
suspition
that
the
putting
of
this
munition
in
the
Castle
would
be
stayed
,
the
Lord
Thesaurer
did
convey
it
quyetly
to
Mussilburgh
harberie
and
from
thence
to
Dalkeith
.
The
people
remembering
the
threatnings
preceeding
,
and
considering
that
such
provision
had
not
beene
made
for
these
places
these
thirtie
yeares
by
past
,
began
to
suspect
danger
The
Supplicants
suspecting
that
the
same
would
bee
imployed
against
the
bodie
of
the
Kingdome
,
who
were
ayming
at
no
thing
but
the
preservation
of
Religion
,
and
the
Subjects
libertie
,
resolved
without
giving
offence
,
to
keepe
a
watch
lest
any
of
that
provision
should
bee
conveyed
into
these
places
against
the
wonted
custome
:
For
these
are
the
greatest
forts
in
the
Countrie
appointed
for
her
sastetie
,
and
not
for
her
hurt
.
The
Marquesse
of
Hamilton
being
appointed
his
Majesties
Commissioner
did
send
a
number
of
missives
to
his
friends
,
followers
&
acquaintance
in
Scotland
from
Court
,
to
meet
him
at
Haddingtoun
,
and
Dalkeith
,
the
fifth
day
of
Iunij
.
Where-upon
the
Papists
applauding
to
the
Service
booke
,
bragged
that
they
with
some
neutralls
,
and
such
as
were
indifferent
in
matters
of
Religion
,
would
assist
the
Bishops
,
&
used
all
their
meanes
to
conveene
the
greatest
numbers
they
could
.
The
Supplicants
moved
with
the
provision
intended
for
the
Castle
,
and
these
frequent
meetings
of
Papists
&
neutrals
,
resolved
not
to
joyne
with
them
at
their
meeting
with
the
Commissioner
,
because
they
would
impudently
ascribe
the
most
part
of
these
whom
hee
had
required
,
to
themselves
and
these
neutralls
,
for
these
and
some
other
important
reasons
,
the
Supplicants
resolved
to
send
out
some
few
of
their
number
to
make
their
excuse
to
my
Lord
Commissioner
.
The
Supplicants
together
&
the
Towne
of
Edinburgh
apart
by
their
request
procured
his
comming
to
Haly-rood-house
as
the
most
convenient
place
for
their
attendance
.
Vpon
the
seventh
of
Iunij
at
his
entrie
hee
was
attended
by
a
great
number
of
the
Supplicants
on
horse
,
meeting
him
three
myles
from
Haly-rood-house
,
and
all
the
way
betwixt
by
many
thousands
on
foot
,
amongst
the
which
were
six
or
seven
hundreth
of
the
Ministerie
.
In
hope
that
the
Commissioner
would
not
offer
to
furnish
the
Castle
with
munition
during
the
treatie
,
the
numbers
appointed
for
watching
were
diminished
even
before
his
entrie
.
The
Supplicants
renewed
their
former
desires
of
a
generall
Assembly
and
Parliament
to
the
Commissioner
,
as
the
only
meane
to
redresse
the
evills
complained
upon
.
He
acknowledged
himselfe
unable
to
grant
either
,
till
first
the
Countrie
were
in
a
peaceable
condition
,
&
till
they
should
first
rescind
and
render
their
subscribed
Covenants
to
his
Majestie
.
To
the
first
it
was
answered
,
the
Cuntrie
was
not
unpeaceable
,
there
was
many
humble
supplications
desiring
remedie
of
these
pressing
grievances
,
the
Supplicants
could
not
be
moved
to
stay
from
meeting
,
and
supplicating
till
they
should
receive
a
gratious
answere
,
and
the
onely
meane
to
content
them
was
the
granting
of
a
free
generall
Assembly
,
and
a
Parliament
,
for
the
second
,
they
could
not
draw
on
themselves
the
guilt
of
perjurie
before
God
,
&
gave
the
Commissioner
sufficient
reasons
of
their
refusall
,
which
are
extant
in
print
.
The
Commissioner
excepted
against
that
clause
in
the
Covenant
,
bearing
mutuall
defence
,
as
if
the
Supplicants
had
combyned
themselves
to
maintaine
each
other
in
their
owne
private
quarrells
,
howbeeit
the
clause
bee
cleare
eneugh
of
itself
,
yet
for
his
Majesties
satisfaction
they
gave
in
a
Supplication
to
the
Commissioner
,
wherein
they
declared
their
mutuall
defence
of
each
other
,
was
only
in
the
defence
of
true
Religion
,
of
the
lawes
and
liberties
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
and
of
his
Majesties
person
,
and
autoritie
in
preservation
thereof
,
where-with
his
Grace
acquiesed
.
The
Commissioner
professing
,
that
all
his
instructions
did
runne
on
the
hope
of
having
the
Covenant
surrendred
,
and
this
failing
,
hee
could
doe
no
more
but
returne
,
and
deale
with
his
Majesty
for
obtaining
a
free
generall
Assembly
and
Parliament
.
Withall
did
shew
that
before
his
parting
hee
behoved
to
publish
his
Majesties
gratious
declaration
,
and
so
first
made
that
proclamation
of
returning
the
Counsell
,
and
Session
to
Edinburgh
to
make
a
faire
way
for
the
other
,
professing
also
,
that
the
other
should
bee
full
of
goodnesse
,
promising
only
a
generall
Assembly
and
parliament
,
and
discharging
all
novations
introduced
.
Where
upon
a
protestation
was
provided
only
to
give
thanks
to
his
Majestie
,
and
to
protest
that
some
short
and
convenient
time
might
bee
appointed
for
holding
the
Assemblye
and
Parliament
.
But
the
Supplicants
attending
the
publishing
of
this
faire
and
smooth
declaration
,
when
it
was
proclaimed
upon
the
fourth
of
Iulij
they
found
it
so
grievous
,
as
it
necessitat
the
Supplicants
to
make
that
protestation
,
which
is
extant
in
print
.
As
the
Supplicants
were
grieved
at
the
Proclamation
,
so
their
griefe
was
augmented
when
they
heard
that
the
Lordes
of
Counsell
had
approved
the
Proclamation
by
a
particular
Act.
For
the
Counsell
had
approved
that
proclamation
as
satisfactorie
,
and
so
full
of
grace
and
goodnesse
,
so
that
it
might
satisfie
all
men
.
Whereas
it
gave
saisfaction
to
none
of
the
Supplicants
desires
,
and
did
condemne
their
lawfull
meetings
.
Therefore
they
prepared
a
supplication
for
the
Commissioner
,
which
did
bear
their
just
exceptions
at
the
Proclamation
,
and
farre
more
against
the
Counsells
act
of
approbation
.
But
the
Counsell
considering
better
of
their
Act
,
did
teare
it
after
it
was
subscribed
,
and
before
it
was
put
upon
record
.
The
next
day
the
Commissioner
was
supplicated
and
earnestly
desired
to
make
some
act
to
cleare
,
that
the
Counsells
subscribing
of
the
Kings
Majesties
declaration
was
no
approbation
thereof
from
them
,
but
only
a
warrant
for
the
Clerke
to
cause
proclaime
it
.
The
Commissioner
and
most
of
the
Counsellers
declared
the
same
solemnely
by
their
oaths
,
wherein
the
Supplicants
acquiesced
.
My
Lord
Commissioner
promised
to
recomend
their
desires
earnestly
to
his
Majestie
,
and
returne
at
the
fifth
of
August
next
,
or
before
the
twelft
at
the
furthest
.
The
Commissioner
reported
that
it
was
written
from
England
,
that
these
of
this
Nation
were
comming
with
armes
towards
them
.
The
Supplicants
protested
bef●re
God
,
it
never
entred
in
their
mindes
to
doe
them
the
least
harme
,
but
that
they
carried
toward
them
all
due
respect
of
Brethren
,
if
they
should
not
bee
first
invaded
by
them
,
which
was
as
farre
from
their
expectation
,
as
it
was
without
their
deservings
.
But
on
the
contrare
,
whereas
such
of
the
Bishops
as
were
chiefe
authors
of
these
evills
,
apprehending
danger
from
the
Panick
terrours
of
their
guiltie
consciences
,
&
not
from
any
just
occasion
offered
by
the
Supplicants
,
when
they
and
their
adherents
,
had
acted
the
part
of
Incendiaries
at
the
Court
of
England
betwixt
the
Kings
Majestie
and
his
Subjects
,
did
thereafter
retire
themselves
out
of
Scotland
,
as
hopelesse
to
find
a
partie
for
them
there
,
these
who
have
not
subscribed
the
Confession
,
excepting
Counsellers
,
not
beeing
a
considerable
part
,
and
the
most
part
of
them
no
favourers
of
Bishops
.
And
they
bragged
that
his
Majestie
will
make
the
people
of
England
come
in
armes
against
Scotland
,
which
is
neither
to
bee
expected
from
so
just
a
King
against
his
own
native
subjects
only
supplicating
for
the
preservation
of
true
Religion
,
and
liberties
of
the
Countrie
established
by
lawes
,
nor
from
so
good
and
wise
a
people
with
whom
the
Kingdom
of
Scotland
is
not
more
neerely
conjoyned
by
marches
,
than
all
true
Scotish
hearts
have
beene
these
many
yeares
past
.
It
should
be
an
high
and
fearefull
dissimulation
,
if
any
such
spytefull
intention
were
keeped
up
against
brethren
,
whose
naturall
freedome
and
ingenuitie
cannot
admit
the
least
suspition
of
any
such
thoughts
:
seing
they
live
in
one
Iie
,
under
one
King
&
have
intertained
commerce
with
as
litle
contoversie
,
or
debate
,
&
with
as
much
affection
and
peace
,
as
ever
was
betwixt
two
Nations
,
yea
,
they
are
so
far
from
intention
to
offer
wrong
to
the
English
,
that
they
are
resolved
never
to
suffer
England
to
be
wronged
by
any
other
Nation
,
so
long
as
their
lives
and
meanes
shall
laste
,
and
doe
expect
the
like
br●therly
duetie
from
them
,
least
they
bee
found
even
to
f●ght
against
God
himself
.
How
can
they
have
any
purpose
to
wrong
that
Countrie
,
wherein
so
many
worthie
Preachers
and
professours
have
given
both
by
writing
and
suffering
abundant
testimonie
to
the
cause
they
plead
for
in
all
the
particulars
thereof
,
which
now
they
maintaine
.
My
Lordes
of
the
Clergie
in
Scotland
as
they
have
borrowed
somethings
from
England
,
to
wit
,
high
Commission
,
Canons
,
and
such
other
stuffe
not
warranted
by
law
,
as
in
England
,
thought
to
have
repared
that
loane
by
establishing
the
new
Service
booke
first
heere
,
that
thereafter
their
confederats
might
thrust
out
that
service
so
long
continued
in
England
,
for
if
it
had
not
been
for
that
end
,
it
shuld
not
have
goten
so
much
help
and
approbation
from
thence
,
and
perhaps
from
Rome
.
But
that
current
is
stopped
heere
,
praised
be
God
,
and
we
wish
it
might
be
also
there
,
If
some
English
Bishops
,
seeming
to
compassionate
their
Brethren
heere
,
have
a
desire
to
further
the
plot
,
though
it
were
upon
Nationall
Perills
,
&
so
may
move
the
English
Catholicks
,
as
persons
furthest
disappointed
,
to
undertake
the
recoverie
of
their
cause
,
by
giving
their
whole
assistance
against
Scotland
,
which
beeing
once
suppressed
,
all
may
bee
setled
there
,
and
then
undoubtedly
in
England
:
The
kingdom
of
Scotland
(
with
reservation
of
all
due
respect
to
the
true
English
)
craveth
they
maye
not
onely
have
help
from
good
Christians
there
,
in
case
of
such
invasion
:
but
also
leave
to
root
out
these
Cananits
,
who
are
pricks
in
their
sides
.
And
this
much
shortly
,
to
give
satis-faction
to
the
better
sort
,
that
there
bee
no
mistaking
amongst
brethren
.
Cursed
bee
these
that
doe
not
wish
and
pray
for
peace
,
if
it
can
bee
had
without
that
great
losse
of
the
Gospell
of
peace
,
in
the
purity
and
power
thereof
according
to
the
word
of
God
.
FINIS
.